Dear Team,

I ask for help in understanding my dog's behavior.

I adopted a 1-2 year Dogue de Bordeaux/ Pit Bull Mix from local shelter, female spayed. I was a volunteer there, and she and I bonded immediately. History: Stray and could tell she had a liter. Dog aggressive. I did NOT notice signs of physical abuse, but I do not know.

Upon taking her to my family the NEXT DAY from the shelter. She growls at my mother from my car and would not let her in. Cupid would not accept my brother or father and the growl towards them was turned into full lunge with teeth and hackles. I got an apartment and live alone. She was crated when visitors arrived and people were given instructions to not make eye contact and to just throw a treat in her crate. She would stop after some time until they would get up out of the chair, it started again. This still continues.

She was attentive and affectionate to me and learned commands quickly. However, all night she is constantly on lookout, growling at sounds, propels herself to the door.

When we walk and she growls at anyone that got too close especially a man and would lunge at him if he was walking on the same sidewalk. She would growl at the old man from across the street watering his lawn. A group of teenagers (13 years old) were in front of us and she was growling, pushing forward to get near them. I walk at times when people were less likely to be out and away from parks and other animals.

I do not have Cupid mingle with other dogs. If we walk by one enclosed in a fence, she barked (sometimes growled - depended on the dog) and wanted to get to that dog with FULL PULLING FORCE. These are the times I was scared that one day I was not going to be strong enough to hold her.

As time went on, I would come home from work and open the crate and she would be primarily be interested in smelling the same 3 spots in my house over and over instead of what I was doing. I had it checked, nothing found.

I kept her close to me and did not let people or other animals near her. She walks with a muzzle. However, what I did that was wrong was allow her to sleep in my bedroom. One night I tossed and turned quickly and she came over (the quickest I have seen her move) with her nose in front of my nose, pinned me down, mouth closed, smelling me. Smelled it was me, then went back to the window. She now only sleeps in the crate after reading your website.

Lastly, in the mornings I go to work. Cupid did not like to be alone and whimpered from her crate while I was at work for long periods of time as per neighbors. One day I told her to go into the crate, she went to the corner of the room, belly up, I called again, nothing. I went over to her and to touch her and she used her mouth in a biting motion slowly to my hand. She did not bite.

I am reading everything in this website and just started to follow the groundwork and reading e-books, ordering equipment, and videos.

For Cupid, do I use a dominant leash or electric when she shows aggression? Am I correct in understanding this is fear aggression and that my expectation is to have her see me as a pack leader, to never stop training, and that I will always have to keep her away from everyone?

I appreciate your time and input and I welcome any input.

Thank you so very much for doing what you do.

There are lots of things you can do on your own to make it better, and it sounds like you are on your way. However, I think this is a situation that you should consider getting some hands on help from a very good professional trainer.

I'm not sure if there is anyone in New York who posts regularly on the forum, but there are a few very experienced members in CT. Maybe they can help you find somebody.

I have desperately tried looking. If anyone knows of anyone, I am all ears.

Are you in the city?

Yes, Staten Island, NY a short ferry ride away

I sent a PM to one of the members who I really trust for you. Hopefully we will be able to get you hooked up with someone.

I just have to say, be very careful with this dog. If you haven't already, look at Pack Structure with an Adult Dog And take every new situation very gradually with as if you are just starting with desensitization. I guess, don't assume anything with how the dog may react.

Thank you for your help. Am I understanding this corectly and saying this is fear aggression and not dominant aggression?

 Quote: MelissaPietrocol

Thank you for your help. Am I understanding this corectly and saying this is fear aggression and not dominant aggression?

I think someone who has experience working with aggression issues could best answer this question.

The only thing I'm completely comfortable saying is that an ecollar would be the worst possible way to try and correct this behavior.

I really hope one of the members who have dealt with aggression for years sees your post, or Lauren's attempt at helping you find an experienced trainer works out.

From the description one thing is clear, you are the lower ranking pack member. When you have a difficult dog, getting the required information to deal with it through media is difficult as someone knowledgeable that is present there can guide you 10 times better. I second the recommendation to find a good trainer (not the Petsmart type) and let the trainer evaluate the dog for people/animal aggression (maybe on a back tie + muzzle) + you role and go from there.

Definitely do not go to electric or other corrections without being thoroughly prepared for what to do when/if the dog comes at you.